Prescription topical medicines can result in side effects, the skin may look worse for a while before hopefully improving. Other side effects include stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling or discoloration of the skin.

Your own body will naturally attempt to clear the clogged pores by sending in certain specialized cells that invade the follicles to help clean it up. However, in the process, the wall of the follicles may weaken and rupture, emptying the contents of the follicles into the surrounding tissue. When this occurs, swelling or redness can develop around the affected follicles, resulting in the larger bumps or pimples characteristics of acne. These are known as papules and pustules and can sometimes cause scarring.

Even touching the face can worsen acne. Without realizing it, most of us touch our faces many times throughout the day. The problem is that our hands contain oils and bacteria that will increase the acne symptoms. In fact, all objects, including eyeglasses and telephone handsets, that make contact with the face must be clean. Hair, particularly long hair, also touches your face, so it is important to keep your hair clean and oil free. Fabric accessories such as hats and headbands should be avoided or used as little as possible.

Tetracycline is the most common antibiotic used for treating acne. It reduces inflammation and is used to kill the bacteria responsible for the acne. It may take several weeks to a few months for antibiotic treatments to take effect. This type of treatment must continue even after the acne has cleared up. Common side effects that have been associated with Tetracycline include an increase in sensitivity to sun light. This may potentially cause a bad sunburn should the patient dwell in the sun for too long of a time. Various other side effects include hives, dizziness and upset stomachs.

Another ingredient in a topical acne medication product is Azeilic acid. Azeilic acid is known for its diminishing effect like that of benzoyl peroxide, on the bacterial presence on the skin. This acne solution is also effective in evening out the darker complexions produced by the recent flare-ups of acne. The side effects of this acne solution are impermanent discoloration on the affected area and extreme dryness. In addition, Erythromycin in its topical form may reduce the acne inflammation. This acne solution is often combined with benzoyl peroxide to rigorously attack belligerent infection caused by the "Propionibacterium acnes".

Acne fulminans (Too Much Testosterone Acne) is an acute and severe form of acne accompanied by symptoms like fever and joint pain. This acne is common among males. Traits include: abrupt onset of acne, inflammatory and ulcerated nodular acne on the chest and back, severe acne scarring, fluctuating fever, painful joints, loss of appetite or weight, and high white blood cell count. This acne is caused by use of testosterone, used legally or illegally to enhance muscle growth. Over the counter treatments are not effective. If you don't need the extra testosterone for your health, don't take it.

Although there are some topical skin care products and medications that can improve mild scarring and acne problems, almost all of them are artificial and invasive methods. For example, acne scars usually are treated with a combination of surgical procedures and skin resurfacing. On the other hand, natural products only have natural ingredients and biological substances. Such is the case with tea tree oil, green tea extract, Vitamin E, rapeseed oil, Aloe vera, and some of the essential oils, which had long been proven to act upon blemishes on the skin.